A controversial bill addressing the economics of teachers’ pay did not make it to the governor’s desk this state legislative session, but we hope to see a version of it in the future.
House Bill 1004 aimed to allow public schools the ability to provide teachers in hard-to-fill positions supplemental pay beyond the salary determined by a collective bargaining agreement.
The teacher unions did not like the idea of some teachers receiving additional pay that was not tied to years of service or levels of education. But the reality is the skills needed to fill certain teaching positions can earn a person much more money outside the education system than inside.
This is simple economics that business owners understand. Many factors go into a worker’s decision when choosing where to work, but one major factor is salary and benefits.
The main areas in which Indiana sees teacher shortages are in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects and special education, according to a study released last fall by the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University.
As a result of the study’s findings, one of the main policy recommendations was to “allow for market-based pay for key disciplines.”
In addition, those trained in STEM fields may face licensing restrictions because they did not pursue a teaching degree in college. Reducing such a barrier, the study argues, may allow more experienced individuals to considering teaching as a profession.
While the median income for a math teacher with a degree in math education nationwide is $49,000, the median income for an individual with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics is $73,000, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
While these are two different degrees, they highlight a great disparity in income between two degrees that focus on the same main subject and provide some insight into why our schools are lacking in teachers for STEM subjects.
It’s a lesson of supply and demand.
As such, our schools should be allowed to attract the talent needed to provide students with the education they need. Not all degrees are created equal in terms of market value and, it appears, the individuals who pursue STEM-related fields and understand this concept are not pursing teaching.
Therefore, if the schools want subject experts in STEM fields, something will have to change. We look forward to seeing what proposals are brought forth next session.